Monday, March 2, 2009

Recovering from the Long Run

Ever seen that commercial about "Having a baby changes everything"? Apparently that even includes post-long run rituals. Go figure.

For example, in the pre-Sophie days, as soon as I finished a long run I would lay down on the floor and spend some good quality time stretching. Yesterday when I got home from my 18 miler, I did lay down on the floor. And I did do some stretching, however, it was all done with Sophie either lying next to me holding me hand or sitting on my stomach and bouncing up and down.

In the pre-Sophie days I would also ice my legs before getting into a nice hot shower. Yesterday, I hurried upstairs to take a quick shower before The Wiggles were done and Sophie would demand my complete attention.

Other post-run rituals that have gone by the wayside (along with my relatively flat stomach, a full night's sleep, and a clean house) include a good post-run recovery meal and a leisurely afternoon resting with my feet up. Although I did manage to chug down a glass of chocolate milk. And while Sophie was taking a bath last night, I laid on the bathroom floor with my head on the scale and my feet on the toilet. (Note to self: must clean bathroom.) See, I can improvise!

Despite the substandard recovery, the run went really well yesterday. It was cold, about 16 degrees, and I could definitely feel the increased stiffness in my legs which I think must be due to the cold. It's March now . . . bring on spring!

13 comments:

Sarah said...

Yep, it is amazing how much they change things. :) My house used to be perfectly clean and organized before. Now...not so much. :)

Aron said...

great job on the long run!! and great job squeezing in those recovery items where you can :)

Carly said...

I can really relate! Things really do change 180 degrees. I laughed when you said you had to shower before the wiggles were done because I do the same thing.

Marlene said...

I don't know how you Moms do it!

I hope your legs were able to get a bit of a break.

ShutUpandRun said...

Yes things are different when parenting is in the picture. Glad you were able to get a good run in. But Brrrrr...

Marcy said...

LMAO! Ooohhh don't you just love it when the kiddos get all up in your grill after a long run HAHA!

MCM Mama said...

Totally hear you on this. The kids attack me as soon as I walk in the door. Frequently I end up not taking a shower until hours after my run. Pleasant, not.

Laurel said...

I noticed when I was visiting my friend in South Dakota a few weeks back how as soon as she walked in the door she had to go to the baby while I stretched. Poor thing. I don't know how you guys do it.

Anonymous said...

Nice job on getting the long run in! Your post-race rituals sound just like mine. My daughter will sometimes talk to me through the closed door when I am taking a shower. No peace.

Felice Devine said...

LOL! You are so right! Everything running related is so different now.

I Run for Fun said...

Great job on the run! I am really impressed by how much you manage to accomplish with a baby, and how you take it all in stride. Hats off to you!

tfh said...

Nice job with the 18 miler-- as much as having a baby changes the post-long run ritual, it is great to see that you still manage to fit in your long runs and some semblance of recovery! It's nice to know it CAN be done, even if it's more challenging.

Run Mommy said...

Nice work! I totally agree with you. My long runs start super early just to accomodate kidlets and I often have to suck it up post run because they are waiting for me. Case in point - 8 hours of Disney trekking two hours after my first marathon - just thinking about that gives me shivvers. :)